Our training programme

Funding update

The Department of Health and Social Care has decided not to continue funding our programme.

The 2025 Cohort is unaffected and will go ahead as planned, but The Department of Health and Social Care will not fund a cohort for 2026 and beyond.

More details can be found here.

A career in social work will open your eyes and heart in ways you could never imagine.

We offer a safe space for people to express how they're feeling, whilst supporting them to make choices for the life they want to live.

Catherine Andrews, Think Ahead Practice Specialist

Why train with us?

Qualifications
A post-graduate diploma and a master’s degree in social work. Fully paid for.

Paid to train
Joining an adult mental health team in an NHS trust or local authority.

Make a difference
You’ll be supporting people from the beginning of your training.

Supported
by a dedicated consultant social worker, our in-house social workers, your academic tutors and peers.

Our two-year, fully funded programme trains up to 160 mental health social workers every year.

After completing the programme, you will join our Alumni Community, gaining access to a range of training, events and networking opportunities.

Programme overview

Combining academic learning with placements in NHS and local authority mental health teams, our trainees make a difference right from the very start of their time with us.

Year One

Summer Institute
Preparing for social work practice and academic studies.

Training placements
Supporting adults with mental health needs throughout the year.

Postgraduate diploma
Qualifying as a social worker at the end of your first year.

Year Two

Register with Social Work England
Working as a newly qualified social worker.

Assessed & supported year in employment
Strengthening your skills and knowledge.

Master’s degree
in social work practice from Middlesex University.

Eligibility criteria

Please use our eligibility checker and review our full eligibility details listed here to make sure you can apply to us.

To apply to our programme, you must:

  • Have a 2.2 or above, honours degree.
    In any subject except social work. Held or predicted, before the programme start.

  • Have GCSE Maths and English.
    Minimum of grade C/4 or equivalent, in Maths and English or English Language.

  • Have the right to remain & work in the UK.
    Including access to public funds, for the duration of the programme.

  • Have no social worker qualifications.
    Our programme is for people who are new to the profession.

  • Commit to full-time training for two years.
    This is a rewarding but intense course, demanding your time and attention.

  • Be able to drive. Social work requires a lot of travel, with home visits to the people you're supporting. Your placement will most likely require you to drive.